I’ll admit that I haven’t watched any hockey since the Penguins were eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs 16 days ago. After the strong finishes to each of the last two seasons it was just too painful to watch other teams continue to play for the Cup. After a bit of time off I was hoping that the Canadiens and Sharks would win the conference finals. No dice there either. Now I just hope that Jonathan Toews and the Chicago Blackhawks can keep the Puppy Drowners Flyers Cupless since 1975 as I look on to next season.

The NHL made a lot of announcements today regarding next season’s schedule, the first being that the full schedule will be released on June 22. Highlights for this Penguins fan: The Winter Classic will be in Pittsburgh at Heinz field on New Year’s Day, and the hated Flyers will be in town to open up the new Consol Energy Center on October 7.

I hope everyone has a fun Memorial Day weekend. Please take a minute on Monday to think about the people who are currently putting themselves in harm’s way for our country.